In order to fully appreciate the hazards associated with wireline retrieval, a thorough understanding of the process is required. This article explains the processes involved as a starting point for a better understanding of the hazards.

This article provides some recommendations as a first step in reducing the risks associated with wireline retrieval operations.

Jan 20, 2019

THE USE AND ABUSE OF WRENCHES

This series was prompted by a fatality involving a pipe wrench. Several different types of wrench are used in drilling operations and all, when used correctly, will provide trouble and injury free service. It is only when wrenches are misused or abused that injury occurs. The aim of this series is to highlight some of the risks as well as the proper use of wrenches.

This article examines some of the ways that wrenches are frequently misused.

Jun 28, 2018

DRILL RIG CAPACITY SERIES

This series examines how drill rig specifications can be misleading. We identify the 'gaps' in these specifications that influence the legal implications of drill rig operation. The articles in the series take a deeper look at the depth capacity of hydraulic long stroke drills and top drive drills.

This article aims to clarify some of the calculations that were published in our articles on the pullback capacity of top drive drill rigs and clear up any misunderstanding, particularly around the Schramm TX 130 drill rig.

Manufacturers of hydraulic longstroke drills specify the depth capacity of their rigs in different ways and since these drills can pull drill rods in two ways, these specifications can be confusing. In this article I try to make sense of what the specifications mean.

This article addresses the depth capacity of the second common type of drill rig used on exploration projects.

May 31, 2018

WIRE ROPE series

Part 1: WIRE ROPE CONSTRUCTION AND SELECTION

The first part of the Wire Rope Series focusses on how wire rope is constructed, its important properties and the aspects to consider when selecting wire rope. Part 1 includes a fascinating video on how wire rope is made and lastly discusses wire rope terminations and their impact on the safe working load of the wire rope.